Europe: Sailboat Market 2025

Sailboat Market Size in Europe

For the fourth consecutive year, the Europe sailboat market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 51% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption recorded resilient growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Sailboat Production in Europe

In value terms, sailboat production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +73.0% against 2013 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The level of production peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Sailboat Exports

Exports in Europe

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor decreased by -4.5% to X units in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, posted a noticeable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 106%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X units in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sailboat exports rose sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, showed a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 70%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

In 2021, the UK (X units), distantly followed by the Netherlands (X units), France (X units), Poland (X units) and Finland (X units) represented the major exporters of sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor, together generating 80% of total exports. The following exporters - Germany (X units) and Italy (X units) - together made up 6.4% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +30.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($X) remains the largest sailboat supplier in Europe, comprising 45% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 13% share of total exports. It was followed by Finland, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in France totaled +12.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (+38.5% per year) and Finland (+13.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Europe stood at $X per unit in 2021, picking up by 11% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 91%. The level of export peaked at $X per unit in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per unit), while the UK ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (+8.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sailboat Imports

Imports in Europe

After three years of growth, overseas purchases of sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor decreased by -14.1% to X units in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 78%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X units, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, sailboat imports declined to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 43% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, leveling off in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X units), distantly followed by Greece (X units), France (X units), the UK (X units), Gibraltar (X units), Germany (X units), Italy (X units) and Spain (X units) represented the largest importers of sailboats for pleasure or sports, with or without auxiliary motor, together achieving 86% of total imports.

Imports into the Netherlands increased at an average annual rate of +17.7% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Greece (+35.2%), Gibraltar (+16.2%), France (+13.9%), Spain (+11.7%), Germany (+10.1%) and Italy (+7.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Greece emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Europe, with a CAGR of +35.2% from 2012-2021. By contrast, the UK (-1.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the Netherlands (+14 p.p.), Greece (+11 p.p.), Gibraltar (+3.4 p.p.) and France (+3.3 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of the UK (-14 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest sailboat importing markets in Europe were the Netherlands ($X), the UK ($X) and France ($X), together accounting for 45% of total imports. Italy, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 40%.

Greece, with a CAGR of +27.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Europe amounted to $X per unit, rising by 16% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a slight shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per unit), while Greece ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the UK (+7.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform